How to manually connect to a wireless network in windows 7

Today many wireless networks may be configured to prevent broadcasting of the SSID for security reasons.  The instructions below will help you configure such wireless networks. 

If you need instructions on connecting to a Wireless Network in MAC OSX Click Here.

1. First you need to get the identification and connection details of the hidden wireless network. The easiest way to acquire the configuration is ask your local IT team or log into the router your attempting to connect to.  Write down the Network ID (SSID) and Security fields. Depending on what type of security your wireless network has, you will need to write down the important fields such as the WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK security information.
   
   NOTE: If the wireless network has no security enabled, then you only need to know the Network ID (SSID) field.
    
2. Right Click wireless icon located on the bottom right.
3. Click Open Network and Sharing Center.
   
4. Top left click Manage wireless networks.
   
5. Click Add.
   
6. Click Manually create a network profile.
   
7. Enter and/or select the following and Click Next.
   • Network Name: Type the SSID Name.
   • Security Type: No Authorization, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise, WPA-Enterprise, or 802.1X.
   • Encryption Type: TKIP or AES if it applies.
   • Security Key: Type the security key / password. *Select Hide Characters if your in a public location.
   • Start this connection automatically: Insert a check mark if you are planning to reconnect at a later time.
   • Connect even if the network is not broadcasting: Insert a check mark if your attempting to connect to a non broadcasting network.
     
8. Congratulations! Your all done. Click Close.
   

If you need instructions on connecting to a Wireless Network in MAC OSX Click Here.